From Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
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Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris TD has today (Saturday) announced the extension of Vaccination Week and rapid antigen testing pilots.
Pop-up vaccination centres were established across 15 higher education sites two weeks ago. Over 3,000 students received a vaccine with 53% of them receiving their first dose.
Speaking today, Minister Harris said:
"Vaccine Week was a huge success with over 3,000 students receiving a vaccine on college campuses. Starting on Monday, we will return to 12 of those sites to ensure those who received their first dose can access their second.
"Importantly, these sites will be open for people to receive their first dose too. We know there are just 8.8% of the adult population who have not been vaccinated, and we know 28% of those are between 17 and 29.
"We have to ensure we do everything we can to offer students the opportunity to get vaccinated, protect themselves and protect their college communities."
The clinics will be held in:
In addition, vaccination centres will be open in Sligo, Letterkenny, UCD, Carlow, Tralee, Dundalk and Moate for students to access.
Welcoming this announcement, Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly TD said:
"Having been out to the pop-up vaccination centres two weeks ago, I've seen first-hand the fantastic work being done to maximise vaccine uptake, particularly for our younger population. I had the chance to visit the pop-up in Trinity College Dublin and understand the steps being taken to ensure that access to the vaccine is easy and safe.
"We know that the COVID-19 vaccine is an effective way to protect yourself from the most severe effects of the virus. The recent rise in case numbers is a cause for concern but there are ways to protect ourselves and one another - get vaccinated, isolate and get tested if symptomatic (even if you're vaccinated), wear a mask, meet outdoors or in ventilated indoor spaces. You can stop the spread."
Minister Harris also met with stakeholders today to discuss the return to on-site teaching, research and study this semester. He confirmed a rapid antigen testing pilot would be extended to seven campuses this autumn.
He added:
"Rapid testing does not replace our public health advice to wear a mask and keep washing your hands, but it could be an additional weapon in our fight against COVID-19 in the future. Antigen self-testing is performed twice a week and tests can easily be completed yourself at home. After completing your test, you report your results online using the HSE Report Antigen Result website. Regardless of rapid testing, if you do experience any symptoms of COVID-19, even mild symptoms, you will still need to go for a RT-PCR test and restrict your movements. If you do need a RT-PCR test, when you book your test, you will now be asked if this is because you have had a positive antigen test result.
"Colleges are asking for volunteers to take part, and I really would encourage staff and students to participate and help us keep rolling out our plans for a safe and sustainable reopening of campuses and society."
The sites are: